US Grounds MD-11 Cargo Planes After Kentucky Crash

Mon Dec 22 2025 02:06:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to a tragic plane crash in Kentucky that claimed 14 lives, US authorities have grounded all Boeing MD-11 cargo planes. This decision follows investigations into the incident and aims to ensure safety in aviation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered all Boeing MD-11 cargo planes to be grounded after a devastating crash in Kentucky that resulted in 14 fatalities. The aircraft caught fire during takeoff and collided with nearby businesses, prompting an urgent safety review. Major carriers UPS and FedEx are implementing contingency plans to maintain their delivery services.

US aviation authorities have ordered that all models of a cargo plane that crashed mid-takeoff in Kentucky on Tuesday be grounded.

It comes after a Boeing MD-11 aircraft operated by UPS burst into flames on the runway of Louisville International Airport before colliding into neighbouring businesses, killing 14 people.

The American delivery firm had earlier said it would not operate the planes pending an ongoing investigation, with FedEx then following suit.

Now the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a formal notice banning all MD-11 and MD11F aircraft from flying until safety checks are carried out.

In total, 70 models are in use with UPS, FedEx and Western Global Airlines.

FAA officials said the Kentucky crash happened after the plane's left engine caught fire and detached from the wing during take-off.

The aircraft was carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres) of fuel as it took off for a flight to Hawaii, which contributed to the size of the fire after the crash.

A total of 14 people were killed in the crash and subsequent fire, including one person who had been admitted to hospital, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg has said.

Boeing said it welcomed the directive and that it had already advised the three firms which use the model to stop operating it out of an abundance of caution.

UPS and FedEx stated they have contingency plans to continue their services while prioritizing safety.

Data collated by the live air traffic website FlightRadar24 showed 55 MD-11 planes were used over the past week.

The final passenger flights using an MD-11 were in 2014, with the model used exclusively as a cargo carrier since.